As our discussion on Gandhi's Seven Social Sins wraps up with Pleasure without Conscience and as travel and vacation season begins, we'll take a look at the impact we have as tourists and travellers on the places we visit, particularly in developing areas. How can we be more aware and sensitive to local economies, cultures and peoples as we visitors?

Coordinator: Des Shaw

May 13, 10:30 a.m Rev. Dawn Sangrey

Julia Ward Howe and Mother’s Peace Day

Julia Ward Howe spent her life rebelling against the Victorian ideal of womanhood. She used her respectability, her upper-class status, her intelligence, and her beauty to do what she wanted rather than to conform. First her father and then her husband tried to confine her within the cult of domesticity, but she broke away from their expectations. Howe became famous as the author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and later converted to Unitarianism and founded a yearly festival called “Mother’s Peace Day.” This peace day celebration is often said to be the precursor of our modern Mother’s Day, but in fact our Mother’s Day holiday was founded by Anna Jarvis, another extremely determined woman. Our service celebrates these two feisty women who prevailed against the odds.

Coordinator:Harry Shair

May 20, 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dawn Sangrey

The Case for Optimism

As we gather for worship before the congregation’s annual meeting, we will welcome new members and celebrate our leaders. Moving against the cultural tide of negativity and despair, let’s explore a more positive view of our circumstances. In two recent books--It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear by Gregg Easterbrook and Factfulness by Hans Rosling—these authors argue that the facts belie our fears. Neither is a Pollyanna, and both base their views in science. We will consider their case for optimism today. Coordinator: Rob Young

May 27, 10:30 a.m. Larry Winters

Memorial Day

Withtoday’s bombardment of fear and hate reported by the media, it becomes understandable why our modern Memorial Days have become parties for hot dogs and hamburgers. This may simply be a way to step away from the dirge of violence mankind is creating. It may be difficult to see Memorial Day as a meditation on the sacrifices made by our ancestors. I want to ask you to locate the moment somewhere in the days before, after or during Memorial Day where the reality of why we have this day will come into consciousness. At that moment I offer support to you in making a nod, closing your eyes, taking a breath, maybe saying a silent thank you, and praying for the ever growing list of soldiers and enemy dead being added to Memorial Day.Coordinator: Harry Shair